Review: London Victoria Park Plaza Hotel

Luxurious London Lodging

Trying to decide which hotel to choose when staying in London is always difficult, particularly when you are a tourist and the city just seems so large. There are so many hotels offering ample facilities, that claim they are near to major tourist attractions and have great transport connections. Which do you choose?

I can say that I have found a gem of a hotel, that offers luxury at a great price and is only a short walk from Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and other London attractions (it is a short walk, I have done it) and more importantly a tube station. It’s name………London Victoria Park Plaza – a four-star, deluxe hotel in a prime location.

Location
From St Pancras / Kings Cross take the Victoria line straight to Victoria. The hotel really is very easy to find as it is only a 5 minute walk away from Victoria train station and tube network. You literally turn right out of the front of the station onto Wilton Road (you will see the Apollo Theatre) walk down the road, past a Wetherspoons and an Argos and there it is. A smart glass fronted building, which to the naked eye may blend in a little too much with it’s surroundings.

Due to it’s central location, it is a nice walk to Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace.  Of course if you don’t really fancy a stroll due to the unpredictable UK weather, the tube is one option or from just outside Victoria Station take one of the open top sightseeing tours.  I have done this once, with a company recommended by the Concierge at the Victoria Park Plaza.  The bus tour was a good idea for my first visit to London as I was able to jump on and off the bus as and when I pleased to see the sights.

Rooms
The lobby as you enter the hotel is very spacious and modern, take a note of the artwork that they have on display, there are some fascinating or should I say unusual, sculptures and pictures.

Stylish Fittings

I didn’t have to wait at all to check in, there were approximately 4 members of staff waiting to check people in so I was dealt with promptly.  I had made my booking online and booked one of the Executive rooms – this gives you access to the Executive lounge, a nice place to relax after a hectic day with complimentary beverages throughout the day and evening drinks and snacks. 
The hotel has 287 air conditioned deluxe guestrooms which includes Superior and Executive rooms and suites, plus 12 one and two bedroom apartments.

The bedrooms are stylishly decorated and have modem ports, cable TV etc. I could not fault anything with regards to the room facilities and cleanliness. The Executive package also gives you complimentary bathrobe and slippers, bottled water, fruits and chocolates and upgraded bathroom amenities  The only slight negative that I could comment on was that the bedroom looked out onto the main road at the front/side of the hotel, but there was no noise at all and I suppose for a central London hotel, not all rooms can have spectacular views.

Spacious Rooms

One point worth noting, is that the second time I stayed at the hotel, I once again booked online and when checking in asked about the other rooms that were still available.  I was able to upgrade to an apartment for an additional £85.  If you are spending a decent amount of time visiting London, then I would recommend paying a little more when booking and reserving an apartment.

I had a one bedroom apartment but there are also 2 bedroom apartments available.  The ultra modern living room and dining kitchen was quite homely to say that it was hotel accommodation and the kitchen provides an excellent alternative to eating out all the time if staying for more than a few days. 
The spacious bedroom with king-sized bed led off the living room, giving you a completely separate living area and the views from the windows in the room were fantastic. 

Restaurant

JB's Restaurant

The Victoria Park Plaza has an AA award winning restaurant on site, setting it apart from other hotels in London. JB’s restaurant offers modern and classic European cuisine with a wine list to match. I haven’t eaten in the restaurant myself, but having viewed the menu the choice is quite exceptional.

Breakfast is include in the Executive package and with the choice and service on offer, I would recommend opting for a rate that includes this.  To cater for all, both continental and full English breakfasts are available.  There was plenty of choice with regards to fruit and cereal, cold meats and bread rolls and or the full cooked breakfast option.  Breakfast is served buffet style so you can help yourself to as much or as little as you want with waiting staff on hand to serve hot drinks.  Breakfast can get very busy and I did have to wait a couple of minutes to be seated, but the restaurant staff were very polite and courteous whilst waiting.

JB’s Bar is located just off the lobby and again is very spacious and is the ideal place to relax before moving on for the evening.

Services
The Park Plaza’s check in and check out policy is fairly similar to that of most hotels with check in time being 14.00 hours and check out at 12.00 hours.
Concierge were more than helpful in looking after my luggage when I checked out so I could enjoy a full day in

The Park Plaza Gym

London without dragging my luggage around.  Concierge at the Park Plaza are the best team to speak to should you need help with anything at all.  This is the only service that I actually used at the hotel, but they were extremely knowledgeable and friendly and are worth having a chat to.  They can recommend places to visit, help with directions, restaurant bookings and recommendations, tickets to the theatre and generally help you out with any questions or problems that you may have during your stay.

Although I did not use all the facilities available to me, the hotel has plenty to offer from with 24 hour room service and a babysitting service to a full service business centre and health club.

Parking
Should you arrive by car as opposed to public transport, the London Victoria Park Plaza does have a few on-site car parking spaces available.  Of course, with parking being at a premium in Central London these are quite pricey at £30 for 24 hours and are on a first come first served basis.

My experiences of the London Victoria Park Plaza has, on the occasions that I stayed there, been perfect to say the least.  Although the Victoria area of London is not one of the most appeasing to the eye,  this should create no doubt in your mind, as the location of the hotel to the tube network and London sights is superb. The rooms and surroundings are of a high standard and the service from all members of staff from housekeeping to Concierge was exceptional. The hotel offers excellent online rates which makes this London hotel an affordable luxury. 

London Victoria Park Plaza Hotel
Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1EQ
Book online: www.parkplaza.com/londonuk_victoria

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